The Crimson Empire

Background
On the other end of the Northern Continent, separated from St Pellegrino by the Aegean Desert, is the large Crimson Empire. Well known for its magical universities (the only magical universities on the northern continent), the Crimson Empire might intially be assumed to be a mageocracy – to those easily awed by the might of magic, this is often the impression they hold. However, it is really a meritocracy, run by both magic users and non-gifted alike. A central government runs the empire, which itself is headed by a council of the empire’s most loyal and powerful members. They have no moral or ethical agenda but the progress of the empire, and are quick to snuff out any who might detract from that ultimate goal.

With such close proximity to arcane might, and knowing full well the threat that such power might bring, most, if not all of the Empire’s inhabitants have prepared for the threat of magical danger. Most have an initial schooling in the magical crafts despite their own lack of arcane gift, in order that they may better resist the effects of magic (also, a government with wizards in it often tends towards academia). Others learn techniques to confound and interrupt a spellcaster’s abilities. In any case, one should never assume to have the upper hand, simply because they have magical ability.

Against the spiritual backdrop of the northern continent, the Crimson Empire remains steadfastly secular. However, as might be expected of somewhere so famously magical, the Church of Chrissange, the Magician-Turned-Deity, have made themselves a base in the empire.

Tales of the dead, wrenched back into an unholy semblance of being, follow swiftly on the heels of the Crimson Empire’s name. However, the air of mystery and unease serves them well, acting as a deterrent and a filter against those fearful of magical power, or those unwilling to let go of their ethical restraints.